The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has banned the sale and use of three specific medicine batches after declaring them counterfeit. The move is part of DRAP’s ongoing crackdown on fake drugs across the country. Officials confirmed that testing by the Central Drug Laboratory in Karachi and the Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory identified several products as non-genuine.
The affected medicines include Taskeen Dard tablets, Batch 091, and Pain-Nil tablets, Batch 01. Both products were unlawfully manufactured and distributed by Leo Healthcare Lab and Hakeem Purana Dawakhana in Karachi. Investigations revealed that these facilities were operating without valid drug manufacturing licenses.
Additionally, Batch No. 251986 of Duphalac syrup, a widely used medicine for stomach-related ailments, was also declared counterfeit. The affected syrup carried the address of Abbott Pharma Canada on its label; however, the legitimate manufacturer denied any connection with the batch. This indicates deliberate falsification of the product label to mislead consumers.
DRAP has highlighted that counterfeit medicines pose severe risks to patients’ lives and can undermine medical treatments. Consequently, the authority has instructed its enforcement teams to trace all suppliers of the fake products. Teams have been directed to remove the counterfeit batches from pharmacies, markets, and distribution networks, and to seize the identified stocks immediately.
The regulator also stressed that public awareness is critical to combating counterfeit drugs. Citizens are urged to verify medicine authenticity through packaging details, batch numbers, and by consulting healthcare professionals before use. DRAP has promised to intensify monitoring and maintain strict checks on pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
This action follows a pattern of rigorous enforcement by DRAP, aiming to secure public health and ensure only approved, licensed medicines are available in Pakistan. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and further batches may be examined if suspicions arise.
The crackdown serves as a warning to illegal manufacturers that producing and distributing counterfeit medicines will not be tolerated. DRAP continues to collaborate with law enforcement and health departments to prevent the circulation of fake drugs and protect patients nationwide.
